2016 is now upon us…faster than we all had anticipated. This time of year is focused on advertisements about increasing physical activity and losing weight. Although those are the most common, there are other goals that people with diabetes can make that also contribute to overall health and well-being. Taking medication as prescribed, testing blood sugar levels at intervals suggested by a healthcare provider, limiting salt intake, getting wellness checks, drinking more water, limiting alcohol intake, engaging in more effective stress-management, etc., can all have positive effects.

I was invited to the 2015 Leadership Institute for PODS leaders this year. I would like to thank everyone for spearheading support to people with diabetes! This is a special kind of support given by people with diabetes to people with diabetes. I was able to see how unique the bonds of friendship are. At the meeting I asked if participants had questions that they would like me to write about. I will devote my blog over the next few months to answer these questions.

A day at the spa can be rejuvenating for both the mind and body. Nothing melts away stress like a day of pampering. But because diabetes puts you at a higher risk of infection and foot and skin problems, it’s important to make sure that you go to a spa that takes your health seriously. You also need to choose spa treatments wisely.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put out a report in 2014 to provide current data and statistics on diabetes in the United States. (1) It is interesting to see the data that was compiled. Questions and answers to this quiz were obtained from this report. Take this quiz to see how much you know. The answers are found at the bottom of the page

It is usually encouraged for most women with diabetes to breastfeed their infants. Breastfeeding has many benefits including reducing the risks of pre-menopausal cancer and the metabolic syndrome for the mom and protection from both type 1 and type 2 diabetes for the infant. (1) What are the special concerns that a woman with diabetes may have about breastfeeding? What are concerns that every woman might have before breastfeeding for the first time?

I was looking through our diabetes sister’s site to see what questions people have and I noticed that we all may need a review on what is recommended for aspirin therapy and diabetes. The facts I am presenting are the 2014 recommendations from the American Diabetes Association.

It is a fact that in my years of teaching people with diabetes about keeping healthy, many women of menopausal age do not know much about the topic. Menopause will occurs in women and natural menopause is not related to an illness. Women sometimes have fears and anxiety about this subject. My patients tell me that their friends have had hot flashes and perhaps a change in mood but do not know much more. Let’s explore this topic. Feel free, Diabetes Sisters, to comment on this blog. Those that have been through what is called by some “the change of life”, may have real life comments and suggestions on what to do to make the transition easier. Please share your views with all of us.

Everyone comes to the end of their life. People with diabetes are no different. Over the course of my career I have worked in many aspects of healthcare. This includes consulting for a local hospice program for 5 years. I had a series of questions recently a about hospice. What is it and at a person nears the end of their life, and would like to consider hospice, how would hospice care for their diabetes?

Hi, my name is Debbie and my child has diabetes. I am interested in the Head Start program as I have a part-time job and do not make much money. Do you think my child has a chance to attend? Can you provide me with a link for information?